With travel costs on the rise, many older adults are looking for ways to save on hotels and accommodations. For over 60s, joining AARP is often touted as an easy way to access member-only deals and discounts.
But is signing up for the popular senior advocacy group really worth it just for the hotel perks?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Overall, an AARP membership can provide solid hotel savings that generally outweigh the annual fee. However, the exact value depends on your travel habits and ability to take advantage of the member rates.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into the hotel discounts and other travel benefits available through AARP. We’ll crunch the numbers to analyze whether membership pays for itself based on different travel patterns.
We’ll also look at some alternatives for finding hotel deals without joining AARP.
Hotel Discounts and Travel Benefits of AARP
One of the perks of being an AARP member is the access to exclusive hotel discounts and travel benefits. AARP has partnered with major hotel chains to offer its members discounted rates, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers and vacationers alike.
Member Rates at Major Hotels
AARP members can enjoy special member rates at major hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham. These discounted rates can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays or when booking multiple rooms for a group.
The member rates are often lower than the standard rates available to the general public, allowing AARP members to enjoy great savings on their hotel accommodations.
For example, a quick search on the AARP Travel Center website shows that AARP members can save up to 10% on their hotel bookings at participating Hilton hotels. Similarly, Marriott offers AARP members a discount of up to 15% at select properties worldwide.
These savings can add up quickly, making an AARP membership well worth it for travelers who frequently stay in hotels.
Other Travel Perks
In addition to hotel discounts, AARP also offers its members a range of other travel benefits. These include discounted car rentals from companies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, as well as savings on cruises and vacation packages.
AARP members can also take advantage of special offers and deals on flights, making it easier and more affordable to plan their next getaway.
Furthermore, AARP provides travel resources and information to help its members make informed decisions and get the most out of their travel experiences. From destination guides to travel tips, AARP offers a wealth of information to assist its members in planning their trips and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
It’s important to note that while AARP membership comes with these travel benefits, it also offers a wide range of other perks and discounts. From healthcare and insurance benefits to discounts on entertainment and dining, an AARP membership can provide significant savings in various aspects of life.
Analyzing the Potential Savings for Different Travelers
When considering whether an AARP membership is worth it for hotel discounts, it is important to analyze the potential savings for different types of travelers. AARP offers a variety of benefits, including discounted rates at numerous hotels and resorts.
Let’s take a closer look at how these savings can benefit different groups of travelers.
For Road Trippers
If you love hitting the open road and embarking on epic road trips, an AARP membership can be a game-changer. With discounts at popular hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and Best Western, you can save a significant amount of money on your accommodations.
These savings can add up, especially if you plan on taking multiple road trips throughout the year. Plus, having access to a wide range of hotel options allows you to choose accommodations that fit your preferences and budget.
For International Jetsetters
For those who have a passion for international travel, an AARP membership can also provide valuable savings. Many hotel chains have global reach, and AARP discounts can be applied to hotels in popular destinations around the world.
Whether you’re exploring the romantic streets of Paris or relaxing on a tropical beach in Bali, an AARP membership can help you secure great deals on accommodations. These savings can free up more of your travel budget to be spent on experiences and adventures.
For Those Who Travel Several Times Per Year
If you find yourself frequently traveling throughout the year, an AARP membership can offer significant savings. The discounts available through AARP can help reduce the cost of accommodations, allowing you to allocate more funds towards other aspects of your trip.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having access to discounted rates at various hotel chains can make a noticeable difference in your travel expenses. With the potential to save hundreds of dollars on hotel stays each year, an AARP membership can quickly pay for itself.
It’s important to note that the actual savings will vary depending on the hotel, location, dates, and availability. It’s always a good idea to compare prices with other travel websites or directly with the hotel to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Additionally, consider other benefits of an AARP membership, such as discounts on car rentals, flights, and attractions, to determine if the overall value aligns with your travel needs and preferences.
Ways to Find Deals Without AARP
While an AARP membership can provide valuable hotel discounts for seniors, there are also other ways to find great deals without relying solely on this organization. Here are a few alternatives:
Discount Hotel Booking Sites
Discount hotel booking sites have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering travelers the opportunity to find affordable accommodations without the need for a membership. Websites such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com allow users to search for the best deals on hotels worldwide.
These sites often offer competitive prices and exclusive discounts, making them a great option for travelers of all ages. Additionally, many of these websites have user-friendly interfaces and provide detailed information about each hotel, including customer reviews and ratings.
Loyalty Programs
Another way to find hotel deals without relying on an AARP membership is by taking advantage of hotel loyalty programs. Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow members to earn points for their stays, which can then be redeemed for free or discounted nights.
Some popular hotel chains with loyalty programs include Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. By signing up for these programs, travelers can enjoy various perks, such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and access to exclusive discounts.
It’s important to note that these loyalty programs are available to all guests, regardless of age, making them a viable option for anyone looking to save on hotel stays.
So, while an AARP membership can certainly offer valuable hotel discounts, it’s not the only option out there. By utilizing discount hotel booking sites and taking advantage of hotel loyalty programs, travelers can find great deals on accommodations without the need for a membership.
When an AARP Membership Makes Sense for Hotel Discounts
If you are someone who loves to travel and frequently stays at hotels, you may have heard about the benefits of an AARP membership. AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, offers a variety of discounts and perks for its members, including hotel discounts.
But is an AARP membership worth it solely for the purpose of hotel discounts? Let’s dive in and explore when an AARP membership makes sense for hotel discounts.
The Benefits of AARP Membership
Before we look specifically at hotel discounts, let’s take a quick look at some of the other benefits that come with an AARP membership. AARP offers a wide range of discounts and deals on various products and services, including travel, dining, entertainment, and more.
They also provide resources and support for aging adults, such as health insurance options, financial planning tools, and advocacy for seniors. If you are approaching retirement age or are already a retiree, an AARP membership can be a valuable asset.
AARP Hotel Discounts: Are They Worth It?
When it comes to hotel discounts, AARP has partnerships with several major hotel chains, including Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham. These partnerships allow AARP members to enjoy discounted rates at these hotels.
The exact discount you receive will vary depending on the hotel and the specific offer available at the time of booking. In some cases, the discount can be as much as 10% or more off the regular room rate.
So, when does an AARP membership make sense for hotel discounts? It primarily depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you frequently stay at hotels, especially those within the partnering hotel chains, an AARP membership can save you a significant amount of money over time.
The discounts can add up, especially if you travel for leisure or business on a regular basis.
Additionally, AARP often offers exclusive deals and promotions for its members, such as bonus points or free upgrades. These perks can enhance your hotel experience and make your stay even more enjoyable.
Other Factors to Consider
While the hotel discounts offered through AARP can be valuable, it’s important to consider other factors before deciding to become a member solely for this purpose. Firstly, consider the cost of the membership itself.
AARP membership fees vary, so it’s essential to weigh the cost against the potential savings you may receive from hotel discounts.
Furthermore, take into account your travel preferences. If you typically stay at smaller, independent hotels or prefer alternative accommodations like vacation rentals, an AARP membership may not provide as many benefits in terms of hotel discounts.
Lastly, always compare prices and discounts offered through AARP with other available options. Sometimes, hotels may offer their own promotions or discounts that could be more favorable than those provided through AARP.
It’s worth doing some research and comparing rates to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Conclusion
While AARP membership can provide valuable hotel discounts, the savings ultimately depend on your individual travel habits and ability to maximize the member benefits.
For seniors who travel frequently within the United States, an AARP membership is likely to pay for itself quickly in hotel savings and other perks. But more occasional travelers may find better value using hotel discount sites or loyalty programs.
